Reimagine Futures in the Atacama´s Expanse
Arts & ecology research and residency program
Desert 23°S, ATACAMA, CHILE
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The Atacama Desert is an ethereal landscape that invites us to meditate on the liminal spaces between humanity and vast, more-than-human worlds. With its volcanic plains, metamorphic pools, and night skies that intertwine our human narrative with the cosmos, it presents a place for contemplation and beckons us to rethink our bond with the natural world. The extreme conditions of the territory challenge our perceptions of life on Earth, revealing stories of resilience and coexistence in the face of extreme adversity. As one of the driest habitats on the planet, it faces threats from over-mining and excessive water usage, reflecting broader narratives of environmental exploitation and human discord of our time.
Beyond a geographical location; the Atacama offers an expansive territory for ideas and processes to occur. We encourage our residents to embark on projects that explore themes through diverse and multifaceted approaches during their time with us. Engaging in meaningful relationships within the territory as they work on creative research projects.
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Our site-responsive residency programs offer balance between guided and self-directed exploration centred around ecological and sociopolitical themes. Participants from diverse fields can engage with local ecologies and cultures through a curated mix of cultural encounters, research trips, and experiential learning. This approach supports personal and professional growth, and empowers creators to address global issues and foster meaningful connections with both the environment and local communities, within a dynamic framework that encourages artistic experimentation beyond traditional settings, promoting meaningful dialogues and connections with the natural world and local communities.
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The Atacama Desert is a vast, volcanic, arid landscape known for high altitudes and low temperatures that can make it inhospitable for humans, plants and animals that have not adapted over time. It is home to the largest observatory in the world, and it is here that you will find our main basecamp: sheltered in a cluster of agricultural oasis at the foothills of the Andes.
The lush vegetation and flowing waters of this oasis is a stark contrast to the rest of the desert's harsh landscape. In this isolated area, we'll have our main basecamp strategically placed to explore this beautiful and unique place. The oases are fed by melting snow from nearby mountains during winter months; they provide shelter from harsh winds and serve as an ideal location for agriculture due to their relatively stable temperature year round (around 16 degrees Celsius). Here we welcome participants to leave the rest of the world behind during this immersive time.
Rooted in movement, our project is nomadic by design—shifting base within the Atacama as weather, seasons, and evolving research guide us. Over the years, we (the founders) have traversed the vast 128,000 km² expanse of the region—from the wild Pacific coastline to the high-altitude frontier zones of Argentina and Bolivia. We're currently based near San Pedro de Atacama, a place that offers both refuge and reach—nestled at the foothills of the Andes, bordering the Salar, and surrounded by flamingos, wild camelids, pumas, alongside ancient geologies and archaeologies of the territory.
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Applications are currently open to join for 3 weeks minimum during the following time periods:
2025
September 27 - October 18, 2025
October 24 - November 14, 2025
November 20 - December 11, 2025
2026
January 10 - January 31, 2026
March 9 - March 30, 2026
April 5 - April 26, 2026
May 3 - May 24, 2026
September 27 - October 18, 2026
October 24 - November 14, 2026
November 20 - December 11, 2026
LOCAL TERRITORY
TALKS AND CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS
ECOLOGY AND CULTURE
BIOMATERIALS | AREAS OF RESEARCH
DEADLINES:
We run a series of rolling deadlines in the period upcoming to our programs. Decisions on applications take between 10-15 days after the deadlines.
30.04.2025
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Rustic, local-style housing within an indigenous territory and nature reserve. Rooms are shared (2–3 people) with communal bathroom, shower, and kitchen facilities. Private rooms may be available upon request prior to arrival.
Participants also have access to a shared kitchen, fridge, freezer, outdoor dining area, fire pit, BBQ, and simple furnishings to support everyday living.
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Our program invites artists to step outside the traditional studio and engage directly with the land—where open-air creation, natural elements, and desert silence become part of the process. At our base, you'll have access to a communal outdoor workspace, basic tools, working tables, and electricity (with occasional outages—solar chargers recommended). Bikes and camping gear are available for self-guided exploration and research in the surrounding landscapes. Artists are responsible for any specific materials they may need.
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Artists have full 24/7 access to a shared kitchen
Included:
– Safe drinking water
– Basic cooking supplies (pots, pans, utensils)
– Kitchen essentials (salt, cooking oil, instant coffee, tea, washing-up liquid)
– Hygiene items (toilet paper, hand soap)
Weekly communal meals are included during the program. Participants are responsible for other meals and can join weekly transport into town for groceries.
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Local transport is coordinated for research trips, supply runs, and
airport transfers to and from Calama on the start and end dates of
the program. -
A dedicated on-site coordinator is available during set hours, with
emergency contact outside those times. We also work with local
drivers, cultural collaborators, and interpreters for the program’s
field activities and encounters.
RESIDENCY Inclusions:
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ur program weaves together a series of contextual and research-driven activities that ground each artist’s practice in place. These include cultural encounters within local contexts, experimental workshops and thematic labs, guest sessions with practitioners offering local and critical insights, artist-led sharing formats, and ecological excursions across the surrounding landscape. Designed to foster both reflection and engagement, these components introduce the complexity of the territory while supporting individual and collective inquiry.
Our program is thoughtfully balanced between guided and self-directed time, with approximately 50% of activities facilitated and immersive, and the rest dedicated to your independent research and creative process. Each edition is shaped by the season, location, and group dynamic—and we are continually evolving and refining our approach.
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Visits to sites of ecological and cultural significance are designed to deepen participants’ understanding of place, while offering time and space for reflection, observation, and working in outdoor environments. These excursions support site-responsive research and practice.
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Take part in respectful exchanges with
local cultural practitioners, knowledge-
holders, and environmental collaborators. -
Participants have access to meaningful support through ongoing dialogue with our on-site team—including one-to-one sessions—as well as our residency directors (in person or online). These conversations draw on artistic, ecological, and contextual experience to offer personalised feedback, expand perspectives, and support the development of each participant’s work within the specific framework of the residency.
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Live and work alongside international participants from various disciplines, sharing perspectives and experiences.
Connect with our growing alumni network of 400+ artists and collaborating institutions worldwide.
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Opportunities to share works-in-progress and engage in reflective group discussion are offered throughout the program.
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Access to a curated library of texts, essays, artist publications and media related to themes explored during the residency.
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Artists are invited to share their work
and process through:– Artist talks and presentations
– Site-specific workshops or sessions
– Work-in-progress sharing events
(locally or within the peer group)These can be hosted at our base or in
partnership with local venues and
community spaces. -
We offer full support prior to arrival, including travel planning,
packing advice, and personalised assistance via email or phone.
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Participants may be featured on our
social media and communications channels
during or after the program—offering
continued outreach beyond the residency. -
National park entry fees and applicable contributions to local
communities are included for our programmed activities. -
FUNDING & FINANCIAL AID SUPPORT
We offer guidance and support in securing external funding.
This includes letters of acceptance, budget templates, support
documents, and application reviews. Over the years, hundreds of
artists have successfully accessed funding to participate—many for
the first time. -
Opportunities to present work locally and
to be considered for inclusion in La
Wayaka Current’s ongoing publications,
exhibitions, and digital platforms.
Fees + Financial Aid:
We operate a sliding scale of fees ranging from £300 to £2,600, depending o the length of stay and the amount of funding awarded.
Weekly rates are as follows:
Program Fee with additional support: from £300 - £600 p week (depending on funding / availability)
Program Fees with Financial Aid: £630 p week
Program Fees Standard Rate (full cost): £860/week
If cost is a barrier, we strongly encourage you to get in touch — we’ll do our best to make participation possible.
We also offer additional reduced rates and funded places each year for Latin American and BIPOC artists in need of support.
Let us know through the application form or email if you would like to be considered for this.
how to apply
La Wayaka Current invites international practitioners—artists, thinkers, and activists—from various disciplines, who are exploring ecological issues through their work. We welcome individuals at various professional stages from both the arts and other contemporary fields, who are open to contribute, collaborate, and face new challenges.
Fill out all information on the Online Application Form including personal information, selection of dates and location. Tell us why you want to join us in your ‘statement of intent’ and fill out our scenario based questions.
If you are applying for financial aid please check the appropriate box on the application form.
For applications of more than 1 person an individual can fill out one application on behalf of the group.
ZERO Application FeeS
